Australia lifted the World Cup trophy for a record third successive time after beating Sri Lanka in a rain-shortened final on Saturday.

It was Australia's fourth title overall, following triumphs in 1987, 1999 and 2003.

Adam Gilchrist smashed 149 -- the highest individual score in a World Cup final -- to propel Australia to 281 for 4 from their allotted 38 overs before the champions restricted Sri Lanka to 206 for seven when fading light halted play in the 36th over.

Sri Lanka, champions in 1996, were set a revised target of 269 off 36 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis system after rain halted play for 12 minutes during their run chase, and they made a spirited effort in their run chase, courtesy Sanath Jayasuriya's half-century.

The veteran left-hander scored 63 from 67 balls, inclusive of nine boundaries, as Sri Lanka gave Australia a few anxious moments in the middle overs.

He added 116 runs for the second wicket with Kumara Sangakkara, who scored a solid 54.

Sangakkara and Jayasuriya fell in quick succession after which the rest of the batsmen failed to put up any resistance.

Even though Sri Lanka finished runners-up, they impressed everyone with their showing right through the tournament. Jayasuriya was one of the batting stars for the islanders with 467 runs in 11 matches, inclusive of two centuries and two half-centuries.